JP2004526494A - Fluid injection device with improved contrast visualization - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for manually injecting fluid into a patient with improved contrast visualization is disclosed. The device comprises a syringe having a cylinder on which a plunger is reciprocally mounted. The syringe is connected to a manifold that is itself connected to a radiopaque contrast source. Pulling the plunger into the cylinder draws contrast into the cylinder, and depressing the plunger pushes contrast through the manifold and through the catheter to the patient. To increase the speed of injection, and thus the speed of visualization of the contrast, the improved visualization device can be provided in the form of a heater or, alternatively, in the form of an expandable catheter. It is. The heater can be placed anywhere in the device to increase the temperature of the contrast material, which in turn reduces its viscosity, thereby increasing the rate at which fluid can be injected. Increase. The expandable catheter can be used to restrict blood flow through the vasculature so that the contrast material is infused into the patient with less resistance and dilution from the blood flow.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates generally to fluid infusion devices, and more particularly to manually operated syringes.
[Background Art]
[0002]
Many medical procedures require the injection of fluids, one example of which is angiography. Angiography is a procedure used in the detection and treatment of abnormalities or limitations in blood vessels. X-ray images of the vasculature are obtained during angiography by injecting a radiopaque fluid or contrast into a vein or artery via a catheter. The vasculature fluidly connected to the vein or artery where the infusion occurs is filled with a contrast material. Thereafter, the x-rays penetrate the area of the body into which the contrast material has been injected and are absorbed by the contrast material to produce a radiographic outline or image of a blood vessel containing the contrast material. X-ray images of blood vessels filled with contrast material are usually recorded on film or videotape and displayed on a fluoroscope monitor.
[0003]
The rate at which the injection of contrast occurs enhances the resulting radiographic image, as the rate of the injection continuously counteracts the flow of blood through vessels that either carry away or wash away the contrast. Faster contrast injection implies a higher density of contrast during X-ray imaging and thus a higher radiopacity of the blood vessels. Due to the high viscosity of the contrast material, flow resistance in catheters and other fluid channels, the force required for rapid injection of contrast is relatively large.
[0004]
An additional factor due to the large force required for plunger depression is that catheters used for angiography have become smaller in size as current technology has developed. The exit diameter of the catheter is reduced for 4 or 5 French size catheters. As a result, the force required to inject into the artery has increased significantly.
[0005]
Currently, manual syringes are used to inject contrast into most arteries. When high flow contrast is required, in the case of ventrilography (injection into the left ventricle), it is large enough that it is not possible to apply sufficient manual force to the syringe plunger Since a manual syringe cannot be operated at the flow rate, a powered syringe is typically used. The powered syringe is operated by first setting the flow rate and injection volume. The operator then activates the system by pressing a button on a manual controller that activates a motor or the like to inject contrast. Examples of such powered syringes are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,515,851 and 5,916,165.
[Patent Document 1]
US Patent No. 5,515,851 [Patent Document 2]
US Patent No. 5,916,165 [Disclosure of the Invention]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0006]
However, while such powered syringes may be desirable in some applications, in other instances it may be advantageous to use a manual syringe. One advantage of using a manual syringe is that more direct control of the injection is provided to the operator. For example, if resistance is encountered during the injection process, the operator can sense the resistance by increasing pressure and thus the force required to manually depress the plunger.
[0007]
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a fluid infusion device that allows for manual infusion but does not employ a powered syringe and reduces the force required for such manual operation.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0008]
The fluid injection device according to the present invention is a fluid injection device configured to inject a fluid, the input device, a catheter that is in fluid communication with the input device, and the input device and the catheter. An improved visualization device, functionally related to one, configured to increase the rate at which fluid can be infused.
【The invention's effect】
[0009]
According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid infusion device configured to inject a fluid is provided comprising an input device, a catheter, and an improved visualization device. The catheter is in fluid communication with the input device. The improved visualization device is configured to increase the rate at which fluid can be infused.
[0010]
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of manually injecting a fluid includes the steps of withdrawing a plunger from a syringe cylinder and retracting fluid into the cylinder, and pushing the plunger down into the cylinder to force fluid out of the cylinder outlet. And increasing the rate at which fluid can be infused, and injecting fluid into the patient.
[0011]
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a manually operated fluid infusion device is provided that includes a syringe, a manifold, a fluid line, a catheter, a fluid source, and a heater. The syringe includes an operable plunger, while the manifold has a plurality of inlet ports at first and second ends. The syringe is connected to a first end of the manifold. The catheter is connected to a second end of the manifold. The fluid source is in communication with one of the manifold inlet ports through the fluid line, while the heater is connected to one of the syringe, manifold, fluid line, catheter, or fluid source. Functionally related.
[0012]
According to another aspect of the present invention, a manually operated fluid infusion device is provided that includes a syringe, a manifold, a fluid line, a catheter, a fluid source, and an expandable ring. The syringe includes an operable plunger, while the manifold has a plurality of inlet ports at first and second ends. The syringe is connected to a first end of the manifold. The catheter is connected to a second end of the manifold. The fluid source is in communication with one of the inlet ports of the manifold via the fluid line, while the expandable ring is associated with the catheter and restricts blood flow after catheter insertion and It can be expanded prior to the injection to make it work.
[0013]
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a manually operated fluid injection system includes an operable input device and a heater associated with the input device and configured to increase the temperature of the fluid prior to injection. Provided to be provided.
[0014]
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a manually operated fluid infusion system includes an operable input device, a catheter connected to the input device, and associated with the catheter, the catheter providing blood flow during the infusion. And an expandable member configured to expand after being inserted into a patient for restriction.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0015]
These and other aspects and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0016]
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, a manually operated fluid infusion device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 20. Device 20 is shown with respect to a manually operated device 20 for the injection of radiopaque contrast from a source 22 to a patient (not shown). However, it is understood that the teachings of the present invention can be used for infusion of other fluids, as well as in power assisted or automatic infusion systems.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, device 20 includes a manually operated syringe 24, a manifold 26, a first fluid line 28, a second fluid line 30, a catheter 32, and an improved visual And a chemical conversion device.
[0018]
Syringe 24 includes a cylinder 36 arranged for translation of plunger 38. The plunger 38 includes a thumb ring 40, and similarly includes a rubber or elastomer stopper 42 that engages the inner peripheral surface 44 of the cylinder 36. First and second finger rings 46 and 48 extend from cylinder 36 to facilitate operation of syringe 24 in conjunction with thumb ring 40. The cylinder 36 has a reduced diameter outlet 50 connected to the first end 52 of the manifold 26. A threaded or other suitable joint 54 is provided for mounting therebetween.
[0019]
The manifold 26 has a first end 52, a second end 56, and a plurality of valved inlet ports 58a, 58b, and 58c. As shown in FIG. 1, the inlet port 58c is connected to the first fluid line 28 for receiving contrast from the source 22. The second inlet port 58b is connected to the saline solution source 60 via the second fluid line 30. Third inlet port 58a is shown connected to pressure transducer 64. The second end 56 of the manifold 26 is connected to the catheter 32.
[0020]
The first fluid line 28 connecting the contrast source 22 to the manifold 26 includes a valve 66 as well as a vent 68. A valve 66, which may be provided in the form of a stopcock, is provided to control the flow of contrast from the contrast source 22 to the manifold 26. A vent 68 is provided to expose any air or gas in the first fluid line 28 to the air.
[0021]
The catheter 32 has a proximal end 70 and a distal end 72. As shown in FIG. 2, in an alternative embodiment, the distal end 72 of the catheter 32 can be provided with an expandable ring 74, the significance of which is described in more detail herein. Will be discussed. The expandable ring 74 can be provided in the form of an elastomeric hollow ring to introduce compressed air or the like, and can be expanded to increase the diameter of the catheter 32 .
[0022]
Referring again to FIG. 1, an improved visualization device 34 is shown near the catheter 32. The improved visualization device 34 can be provided in the form of a heater or can include an expandable ring 74. The heater 76 increases the temperature with electrical actuation, thereby increasing the temperature of the catheter 32, and thus increasing the temperature of the contrast within the catheter 32, including various heating, convection, including conventional heating coils. , And in the form of conduction. Alternatively, the heater 76 can be provided in the form of a conduit or tube enclosing the catheter 32 or other portion of the device 20, through which a relatively warm fluid is provided for contrast heating. Passed. In a further alternative, the heater 76 can be directly embedded in the device 20. More specifically, a resistor coil or other heating device can be provided on the syringe 24, the manifold 26, the first fluid line 28, the second fluid line 30, or the body of the catheter 32. However, the inventor has found that it is beneficial to provide a heater 76 as close as possible to the end of the catheter 32 inserted into the patient to reduce the cooling effect through the device 20.
[0023]
The improved visualization device 34 provides a rapid rate at which contrast can be injected to minimize the effect of blood flow washing out the contrast and to reduce the visual radiographic image generated. Provided to increase the In embodiments employing heater 76, the speed is increased by increasing the temperature of the contrast, which in turn reduces its density and reduces its viscosity. Therefore, contrast is more easily injected. In embodiments employing an expandable ring 74, the size of the catheter 32 is increased after placement in the patient's vasculature. Thus, while contrast is injected, blood flow is restricted through the vasculature. Thus, contrast is injected with less mixing of blood flow and less dilution of contrast. After injection of the contrast, the expandable ring can be deflated and the catheter 32 can be removed, thereby allowing blood flow to return to normal. The heater 76 and the expandable ring 74 can be combined in the same system or device 20.
[0024]
In operation, the device 20 can be used to inject fluid into a patient at an increased rate. As shown in FIG. 3, it is a sample depiction of the steps that can be taken by device 20 after valve 66 is opened, and the process opens valved port 58c, as shown at step 78. It is started by. Thus, fluid flow is transmitted from the contrast source 22 through the manifold 26 to the outlet 50 of the syringe 24. The contrast 22 can enter the cylinder 36 of the syringe 24 upon withdrawal of the plunger 38, as shown at step 80. More specifically, withdrawal of plunger 38 within cylinder 36 creates a vacuum within cylinder 36, thereby drawing contrast into syringe 24. Plunger 38 can be withdrawn a sufficient distance to fill cylinder 36 with the appropriate volume. A series of indicia or graduations can be provided beside the cylinder to facilitate such operation.
[0025]
Once the syringe 24 has been filled with the appropriate volume, the plunger 38 retracts to the cylinder 36, as indicated by step 82. Thus, the contrast 22 is pushed from the cylinder 36 to the manifold 26, through the catheter 32, and into the patient. While passing through the components of the device 20, the contrast fluid 22 is heated, as shown at step 84. In this way, the density and viscosity of the contrast 22 are reduced, and the force required to depress the plunger 38 by the user is reduced, and the rate of injection is increased.
[0026]
In an optional step 86, the catheter 32 can be expanded with a heating step 84. Thus, the catheter 32 at one time restricts blood through the vasculature in which the catheter 32 is placed. Thus, contrast 22 can be injected into the patient at step 88 with reduced interference and dilution from the bloodstream. Once the contrast 22 has been completely injected, the catheter can be deflated and removed. It is understood that the catheter expansion step 86 can be performed without the heating step 84, and similarly, the contrast heating 84 can be performed without the catheter expansion step 86. Is done.
[0027]
For those skilled in the art, for those skilled in the art, the teachings of the present invention reduce the force required to manually inject fluid into a patient by an operator, increase the rate of infusion, and produce a radiographic image. It can be appreciated that it can be employed to provide a manual fluid injection device and method that improves the above contrast visualization.
[0028]
While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. However, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0029]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a manual fluid injection device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a fluid injection device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a sample procedure of steps that may be taken by a fluid injection system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
[0030]
20 Fluid injection device
22 Source (contrast source, contrast)
24 syringes
26 Manifold
28 First fluid line
30 Second fluid line
32 catheter
34 Improved Visualizer
36 cylinder
38 plunger
40 thumb ring
42 Stopper
44 Cylinder inner peripheral surface
46 1st finger ring
48 Second finger ring
50 Reducing outlet
52 First Edge
54 Fitting
56 Second end
58a entrance port
58b entrance port
58c entrance port
60 saline solution source
64 pressure transducer
66 valves
68 Vent
70 proximal end
72 distal end
74 Expandable Ring
76 heater
78 steps

Claims (32)

A fluid injection device configured to inject a fluid, comprising:
An input device;
A catheter in fluid communication with the input device;
A fluid injection device operatively associated with one of the input device and the catheter, the improved visualization device configured to increase a rate at which fluid can be infused. The fluid injection device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a syringe. The fluid injection device according to claim 2, wherein the syringe is manually operated. The fluid injection device of claim 1, wherein the improved visualization device is a heater configured to increase the temperature of the fluid. The fluid injection device of claim 1, wherein the improved visualization device is an expandable member near a distal end of the catheter. The manifold further comprises a manifold, a fluid line, the manifold having first and second ends and a plurality of input ports, the syringe is connected to a first end of the manifold, and the fluid line is The fluid injection device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid injection device is connected to one of the input ports of the manifold. 7. The fluid injection device according to claim 6, wherein the catheter is connected to a second end of the manifold. The fluid injection device according to claim 7, wherein the fluid is a radiopaque contrast. The fluid injection device according to claim 7, wherein the fluid line includes a valve. The fluid injection device according to claim 4, wherein the heater is disposed near the catheter. The fluid injection device according to claim 4, wherein the heater is an electric heating coil. The fluid injector of claim 4, wherein the heater employs a heating mode selected from the group of heating modes including radiant, convective, and conductive. The fluid injection device according to claim 4, wherein the heater is integrated into one of the syringe, fluid line, manifold, and catheter. Withdrawing the plunger from the syringe cylinder to draw fluid into said cylinder;
Depressing the plunger into the cylinder to force the fluid out of the outlet of the cylinder;
Increasing the rate at which the fluid can be injected;
Injecting the fluid into a patient. 15. The method of manually injecting a fluid according to claim 14, wherein said increasing comprises decreasing the viscosity of said fluid. The method of claim 15 wherein the viscosity of the fluid is reduced by heating the fluid. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the fluid is infused into the patient with a catheter, and wherein the heating occurs near the catheter. 15. The method of manually infusing fluid according to claim 14, wherein said increasing step is performed by restricting blood flow near an infusion area. 19. The method of manually injecting fluid according to claim 18, wherein the fluid is infused with a catheter and the blood flow is restricted by increasing the size of the catheter. A syringe having an operable plunger;
A manifold having a plurality of input ports and first and second ends, wherein the syringe is connected to the first end;
A fluid line having first and second ends, the first end connected to one of the plurality of input ports;
A catheter connected to a second end of the catheter;
A fluid source in communication with the fluid line;
A manually operated fluid injection system comprising a syringe operatively associated with one of the syringe, manifold, fluid line, catheter, and fluid source. 21. The manually operated fluid injection system of claim 20, wherein the fluid is a radiopaque contrast. 21. The manually operated fluid injection system of claim 20, wherein a valve is interposed in said fluid line to control fluid flow therethrough. 21. The manually operated fluid injection system of claim 20, wherein the heater is integrated into one of the syringe, a manifold, a fluid line, and a catheter. A syringe having an operable plunger;
A manifold having a plurality of input ports and first and second ends, wherein the syringe is connected to the first end;
A fluid line having first and second ends, the first end connected to one of the plurality of input ports;
A catheter connected to a second end of the catheter;
A fluid source in communication with the fluid line;
A manually operated fluid infusion system associated with the catheter and comprising an expandable ring that is expandable after insertion of the catheter and prior to infusion to restrict blood flow. 26. The manually operated fluid injection system of claim 24, wherein the fluid is a radiopaque contrast. 25. The manually operated fluid injection system of claim 24, wherein a valve is interposed in said fluid line to control fluid flow therethrough. An operable input device;
A manually operated fluid injection system associated with the input device, the heater configured to increase a temperature of the fluid prior to injection. 28. The manually operated fluid injection system of claim 27, wherein the fluid is a radiopaque contrast. 28. The manually operated fluid injection system of claim 27, wherein the heater is integrated with the input device. 28. The manually operated fluid injection system of claim 27, wherein the heater is an electric coil. 28. The manually operated fluid injection system of claim 27, wherein the heater employs a heating configuration selected from the group of heating configurations including radiation, convection, and conduction. An operable input device;
A catheter connected to the input device;
A manually operated fluid infusion system associated with the catheter and comprising an expandable member configured to expand after the catheter is inserted into a patient to restrict blood flow during infusion.

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